The orchard sprayer, a result of a joint venture between John Deere and California-based technology company Global Unmanned Spray System (GUSS), impressed the judges with its innovative design and engineering.

The award was presented at the field days opening yesterday after being selected as the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the event by an independent panel of five regional primary producers on Monday.

Judge, Warren Scheetz, said GUSS marked a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and intelligent farming practices.

"We selected GUSS for its advancement in autonomous spraying technology with a strong commitment to precision chemical application, increased labour efficiency and employee safety," Scheetz said.

"The technology of this machine allows for the horticultural industry to apply foliar applications safely and accurately. With reduced labour requirements it can remotely monitor and control.

"The machine was well built and designed while the technology behind it has taken years of research and development.

"All industries in agriculture are struggling for labour and from what we heard today, this is a world-wide trend.

"It is exciting to be able to have the first look at GUSS here at Henty."

The sprayer was chosen over 22 other entries showcased in the 2023 Henty Machine of the Year, including The Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter entered by Justin Dunn from Temora, New South Wales, which was highly commended.

Machines are judged on purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Scheetz paid tribute to the excellence in design displayed by all entrants, which varied from battery chargers to sprayers and disc chains.

"The competition is very well supported, and we appreciate the interest each year from local and international businesses," he said.

Hutcheon & Pearce integrated solutions manager, Hamish Ross, said there are about 250 GUSS autonomous sprayers working globally with the machine at Henty one of a few in Australia.

GUSS uses a combination of GPS, LiDAR sensors, and software to guide safely and efficiently though orchards unmanned.

Its intentionally low-profile design, measuring 7 metres in length, 1.9 metres in height and 2.29 metres in width, seamlessly allows tree branches to flow over the top.

Equipped with a 2,727-litre tank, a 32-nozzle spray manifold with individual shutoffs, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering, and a 14-hour run time powered by a 400-litre fuel cell and 3.8 litre Cummins diesel engine, GUSS keeps moving row after row, field after field, day or night.

Using the innovative Select Spray Technology, GUSS identifies the target tree and applies the precise amount of spray required for optimal coverage, irrespective of height or canopy size.

This approach minimises material usage and reduces drift during application. Updates on sprayer information, including position, spray rate, and speed, are available in real time to GUSS operators.